Creators do not need to apply for copyright in Australia. Protection under the Act is free and automatic from the time the work is first recorded in some way (Australian Copyright Council).

Duration of copyright

Generally, copyright protection under the Act lasts for 70 years after the death of the creator. For anonymous works, films, sound recordings and works not made public during the creator’s life, copyright protection lasts for 70 years from the end of the year in which the material was first published. After that time period, copyright has expired and works are said to be in the public domain.

Once in the public domain, material can be used without infringing copyright, and permissions are no longer needed. Keep in mind however that other laws may still apply such as the Trade Practices Act 1974.